What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
austerity
Example
During the recession, many families had to practice austerity and cut back on unnecessary expenses. [austerity: noun]
Example
The government implemented austerity measures to reduce the budget deficit. [austerity: noun]
frugality
Example
She lived a life of frugality, always finding ways to save money and avoid unnecessary purchases. [frugality: noun]
Example
His frugal habits allowed him to build up savings for the future. [frugal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frugality is more commonly used in everyday language compared to austerity. While frugality is a term that can be easily understood and applied in various contexts, austerity is more specific and often used in discussions related to economics or government policies.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between austerity and frugality?
Both austerity and frugality can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, austerity is more commonly associated with formal discussions related to economics or government policies, while frugality can be used in a wider range of situations, including casual conversations about personal finance.